top recommendation

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singtall
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top recommendation

#1 Post by singtall »

I've decided on building 4 of the T-48's and I'd like a fairly easy build set of tops. doesn't matter if it's 2 tops or 4. just want a fairly matched up system. what do you recommend? 1-12", 2-12", a 15'?

singtall
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Re: top recommendation

#2 Post by singtall »

also, would it make sense to use the same KAPPA PRO-15LF for tops if I go 15"?

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Tom Smit
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Location: Sarnia, Ont. Canada

Re: top recommendation

#3 Post by Tom Smit »

Actually, you don't need 15"ers for tops if you are using subs.
The simplest, high-output cab would be the OTop12. If you build on pair with the melded array for the bottom cab, and a pair with a CD or straight array for the top cab... for a 2-cab per side setup, you will have covered a good many situations. The double stacked cab/side helps in adding a smoothness, and less EQ.
TomS

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Bill Fitzmaurice
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Re: top recommendation

#4 Post by Bill Fitzmaurice »

singtall wrote: Sun Mar 28, 2021 9:37 pm also, would it make sense to use the same KAPPA PRO-15LF for tops if I go 15"?
Tops don't use sub drivers.

Bruce Weldy
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Location: New Braunfels, TX

Re: top recommendation

#5 Post by Bruce Weldy »

Tom Smit wrote: Sun Mar 28, 2021 9:54 pm Actually, you don't need 15"ers for tops if you are using subs.
The simplest, high-output cab would be the OTop12. If you build on pair with the melded array for the bottom cab, and a pair with a CD or straight array for the top cab... for a 2-cab per side setup, you will have covered a good many situations. The double stacked cab/side helps in adding a smoothness, and less EQ.
Guess I have to agree with this......since it's exactly what I do.... :mrgreen:

6 - T39 3012LF
4 - OT12 2512
1 - T24
1 - SLA Pro
2 - XF210


"A system with a few knobs set up by someone who knows what they are doing is always better than one with a lot of knobs set up by someone who doesn't."

Grant Bunter
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Re: top recommendation

#6 Post by Grant Bunter »

Simplest, fastest = Otop in Bill's designs.
4 x Otops 1 x 12's, with the HF sections mentioned by Tom and Bruce would be just fine.
I haven't heard Otops (I can't imagine them that far different from my DR250's though), but I trust judgement calls made by real world users like Bruce.
Bruce might know if the 3012HO's are worth a consideration over the 2512's...
Built:
DR 250: x 2 melded array, 2x CD horn, March 2012 plans.
T39's: 4 x 20" KL3010LF , 2 x 28" 3012LF.
WH8: x 6 with melded array wired series/parallel.
Bunter's Audio and Lighting "like"s would be most appreciated...

singtall
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Re: top recommendation

#7 Post by singtall »

just ordered plans for the Otop 12 PA and T-48. i can't wait to get started!

Bruce Weldy
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Re: top recommendation

#8 Post by Bruce Weldy »

singtall wrote: Mon Mar 29, 2021 11:05 am just ordered plans for the Otop 12 PA and T-48. i can't wait to get started!
Good for you!

We're here to help along the way if you need it.

If you can go to your personal info and enter your location, you can get help sourcing stuff if you need it.

6 - T39 3012LF
4 - OT12 2512
1 - T24
1 - SLA Pro
2 - XF210


"A system with a few knobs set up by someone who knows what they are doing is always better than one with a lot of knobs set up by someone who doesn't."

singtall
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Location: New Orleans, La
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Re: top recommendation

#9 Post by singtall »

through a bunch of trading services I ended up with 6 Carvin TCS210 top cabinets, which sound really nice...but I'm thinking of how I can turn some of those speakers into a horn loaded cabinets. I was looking at a dual 8" loaded O Top and thought that maybe I could use some of the Eminence Beta 10A's out of the Carvin's to build them. does this sound like a decent plan?

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Seth
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Re: top recommendation

#10 Post by Seth »

singtall wrote: Fri May 21, 2021 7:12 pm through a bunch of trading services I ended up with 6 Carvin TCS210 top cabinets, which sound really nice...but I'm thinking of how I can turn some of those speakers into a horn loaded cabinets. I was looking at a dual 8" loaded O Top and thought that maybe I could use some of the Eminence Beta 10A's out of the Carvin's to build them. does this sound like a decent plan?
I'm all for thinking outside the box, but I think you'd be better served to sell them complete/intact and buy the recommended drivers if that's the design you like (OT8). On the other hand, if you wanna do it, go ahead and give it a whirl. I'd enjoy an offbeat build thread.

Or... build DR250's, of which the Beta 10 is a recommended driver. Probably still dollars ahead to sell the Carvin's and buy fresh drivers, though.
Build in process - 2 WH6, one Alpha 6a loaded, one PRV Audio 6MB250-NDY loaded

Two 2x6 shorty SLA Pro's
One T39, 16", 3012LF loaded
Tall AutoTuba, 20" wide, 2x 8" MCM 55-2421
TruckTuba, 8½" wide, 2x 8" MCM 55-2421

himhimself
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Location: Vancouver BC & Bloomington IN

Re: top recommendation

#11 Post by himhimself »

I love my otops. I built 4 jarrays. Melded piezos on the bottom pair, straight on the top. They are crazy loud, but still sound great. Think hifi on steroids. I just built another pair of T30s, but probably still won't be able to outrun the tops outdoors. We shall see inside...
2xT30 (20", 3012LF)
2xT30 (21", 3012LF)
4xOtop J-array (Beta12, melded/straight piezos)
Truck Tuba (MCM)
Next up: 2xJack12 or family of table tubas

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